ripple effect

American  

noun

1. a spreading effect or series of consequences caused by a single action or event.

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ripple effect British  

noun

1. the repercussions of an event or situation experienced far beyond its immediate location

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Etymology

Origin of ripple effect

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

"Straight away that ripple effect begins - this is no longer just my business."

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

It may be tempting to write off the weakness as a ripple effect from non-traded BDCs, but concerns are warranted, the firm argued.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

This decrease in spending has a ripple effect because the American consumer accounts for about two-thirds of the U.S. economy.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

“I’m wondering whether this could cause a ripple effect in which other banks might do the same with my lesser-used credit cards.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

It sort of buckles away from the concrete cellar walls, a regular ripple effect, but do I complain about the crummy paneling, or the rug that smells like low tide?

From "Freak The Mighty" by Rodman Philbrick